prashok
Nov 11, 07, 10:40 pm
Successfully dodged a Taurus upgrade at DFW two weeks ago and managed to get one of these newly-redesigned models instead. :D
http://www.toyota.com/highlander/index.html
This particular Highlander was a 4x2 base model with no options, for a grand total of $27,985.
Powertrain: The new Highlander comes with a 3.5L V6 also found in other Toyota/Lexus products, with 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. This motor excels in terms of power delivery and refinement, and acceleration is par for the class. The five-speed automatic, while down a gear compared to other competitors, generally provides prompt downshifts and seamless upshifts. Fuel-economy is an EPA-estimated 18/24 mpg city/highway, and in mixed driving, my figures were about in the middle of that.
Ride/Handling: Toyota kept the same formula when it came to the Highlander's driving dynamics, so comfort takes precedence over performance. Chassis feel is solid, but the steering feels a bit too artificial. Body roll is present, but overall handling is within the norm for a large crossover. Road, wind and powertrain noise are all aces. Brake feel is solid, and stopping distances were slightly above-average.
Interior: The new Highlander cabin is roomy and has excellent ergonomics and design. While build quality remains top-notch, tactile quality has been leapfrogged by competitors, so the Toyota gravitates towards average. More disappointing, however, is materials quality, particular the abundance of hard dash plastics, and the alarmingly-cheap headliner material. First and second-rows are spacious, with plenty of room and places for storage, while the third-row is tolerable. The second-row of captain's chair seats also has Toyota's new Center Stow feature, which contains an additional middle "jump" seat that can be used in a pinch for eight-passenger capability. When not being used, the seat tucks away neatly into the front-row console -- nice feature. Seats are comfortable, but aren't too supportive, and cargo access is easy, with a fold-flat third-row seat.
Design: Toyota's unified theme for its newest SUVs (Highlander and Land Cruiser) tends to mirror the RAV4, and for the most part, it works. The exterior profile is clean and detailing gives it a crisp look. The interior, as mentioned previously, has several quality problems, but the design is very modern and has a unique look, unlike many of today's corporate "parts-bin" interiors. The electrolumniscent instrumentation was easy-to-read and also looked nice.
Features: The Highlander had the standard safety and convenience features, in addition to a driver's knee airbag and the aforementioned Center Stow feature.
Value: The newest Highlander is still classed as L, putting it in similar rate brackets as other L and YL-class vehicles like the GM-crossover triplets and Ford Edge, as well as Z-class vehicles like the Mazda CX-9 and Jeep Commander. Performance-minded renters would still want the Mazda, but in terms of a comfort-oriented crossover, I would still rank the Toyota behind the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.
To sum it up:
The Good
Appealing interior and exterior design
The Bad
Not particularly outstanding in any way
Disappointing interior quality
http://www.toyota.com/highlander/index.html
This particular Highlander was a 4x2 base model with no options, for a grand total of $27,985.
Powertrain: The new Highlander comes with a 3.5L V6 also found in other Toyota/Lexus products, with 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. This motor excels in terms of power delivery and refinement, and acceleration is par for the class. The five-speed automatic, while down a gear compared to other competitors, generally provides prompt downshifts and seamless upshifts. Fuel-economy is an EPA-estimated 18/24 mpg city/highway, and in mixed driving, my figures were about in the middle of that.
Ride/Handling: Toyota kept the same formula when it came to the Highlander's driving dynamics, so comfort takes precedence over performance. Chassis feel is solid, but the steering feels a bit too artificial. Body roll is present, but overall handling is within the norm for a large crossover. Road, wind and powertrain noise are all aces. Brake feel is solid, and stopping distances were slightly above-average.
Interior: The new Highlander cabin is roomy and has excellent ergonomics and design. While build quality remains top-notch, tactile quality has been leapfrogged by competitors, so the Toyota gravitates towards average. More disappointing, however, is materials quality, particular the abundance of hard dash plastics, and the alarmingly-cheap headliner material. First and second-rows are spacious, with plenty of room and places for storage, while the third-row is tolerable. The second-row of captain's chair seats also has Toyota's new Center Stow feature, which contains an additional middle "jump" seat that can be used in a pinch for eight-passenger capability. When not being used, the seat tucks away neatly into the front-row console -- nice feature. Seats are comfortable, but aren't too supportive, and cargo access is easy, with a fold-flat third-row seat.
Design: Toyota's unified theme for its newest SUVs (Highlander and Land Cruiser) tends to mirror the RAV4, and for the most part, it works. The exterior profile is clean and detailing gives it a crisp look. The interior, as mentioned previously, has several quality problems, but the design is very modern and has a unique look, unlike many of today's corporate "parts-bin" interiors. The electrolumniscent instrumentation was easy-to-read and also looked nice.
Features: The Highlander had the standard safety and convenience features, in addition to a driver's knee airbag and the aforementioned Center Stow feature.
Value: The newest Highlander is still classed as L, putting it in similar rate brackets as other L and YL-class vehicles like the GM-crossover triplets and Ford Edge, as well as Z-class vehicles like the Mazda CX-9 and Jeep Commander. Performance-minded renters would still want the Mazda, but in terms of a comfort-oriented crossover, I would still rank the Toyota behind the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.
To sum it up:
The Good
Appealing interior and exterior design
The Bad
Not particularly outstanding in any way
Disappointing interior quality